Despite domestic and political challenges, most Muslim-majority countries involved in the Gaza peace process have expressed support for the proposed International Stabilisation Force (ISF) aimed at securing the besieged territory. Diplomats say that while participation carries significant risks at home, the alternative—ongoing bloodshed in Gaza—is far worse. Read More: Diplomatic talks planned on proposed Gaza stabilisation […]
Gaza Conflict
Diplomatic talks planned on proposed Gaza stabilisation force
WASHINGTON: Fresh diplomatic talks on forming a proposed International Stabilisation Force (ISF) for Gaza are expected in a Middle Eastern capital in the coming days, as Pakistan and other Muslim countries continue to seek clarity on the force’s mandate and objectives, diplomatic sources said. The ISF is a key element of a US-brokered plan aimed […]
Thousands rally in Istanbul in solidarity with Gaza
Thousands of people gathered in Istanbul on Thursday to stage a New Year rally in solidarity with Gaza, calling for an end to the ongoing bloodshed in the Palestinian territory. Despite freezing temperatures, demonstrators assembled under clear skies before marching towards the city’s historic Galata Bridge. Participants waved Palestinian and Turkish flags and chanted slogans […]
Bethlehem lights Christmas tree for first time since Gaza war
BETHLEHEM, West Bank – Bethlehem, revered as the birthplace of Jesus, lit up a giant Christmas tree on Saturday for the first time since 2022. The 20-metre tree, adorned with red and gold baubles, was illuminated at the edge of Manger Square in a ceremony attended by thousands of Palestinians from across the West Bank […]
Israel sets record $35 billion defence budget for 2026
Israel’s cabinet approved the 2026 state budget on Friday, including 112 billion shekels ($35 billion) for defence. This marks a major increase from the earlier draft of 90 billion shekels. The budget now goes to parliament for an initial vote before the March deadline. The approval comes amid heightened tensions following costly conflicts with Hamas […]
Gaza war death toll tops 70,000 amid fragile ceasefire
Gaza’s health ministry on Saturday reported that over 70,000 people have died since the Israel-Hamas war began more than two years ago. The milestone comes amid a fragile US-brokered ceasefire, with both sides accusing each other of violations. The ministry confirmed the total death toll has reached 70,100. Since the ceasefire started on October 10, […]
Pakistan reaffirms unwavering solidarity with Palestine
ISLAMABAD – President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s steadfast support for the people of Palestine on the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, observed on Saturday. They emphasised that Pakistan stood “shoulder to shoulder” with Palestinians in their struggle for freedom, dignity, and statehood. Read More: PM reaffirms […]
Mamdani confronts Trump over US role in Gaza conflict
US President Donald Trump welcomed New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani to the White House on Friday. The 34-year-old democratic socialist was praised for his election victory despite months of mutual attacks during the campaign. The meeting, described as unexpectedly warm, did not erase deep political differences. Mamdani reiterated his accusation that Israel is “committing […]
Explosive weapons kill record number of children in global conflicts
Explosive weapons killed or injured children at unprecedented levels last year as wars increasingly shifted into densely populated urban areas, Save the Children warned in a new report on Thursday. Citing UN data, the charity said nearly 12,000 children were killed or wounded in conflict zones worldwide in 2024 — the highest figure since records […]
Netanyahu rejects Palestinian state
JERUSALEM: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed on Sunday that his government remains opposed to the creation of a Palestinian state, responding to pressure from far-right coalition partners angered by international support for a new US-backed Gaza peace initiative. The backlash erupted after the United States and several Muslim-majority countries endorsed a draft UN resolution […]